The Wildcats and Exies Acmy export will balance his time between NBL club Melbourne United and the Miners as the top tier league gets to the business end of its season.

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Head coach Brendan Joyce said he was thrilled to bring a player of Short's calibre back to the team again after a superb 2019 season.

"I am excited to get Sam back into our group as soon as possible as we have a few new players to continue to build our team chemistry as the season moves along and adapt along the way," he said.

"Sam had a breakout year in 2019 with the Miners.

"We expect him to continue his development into a smart versatile guard that with his length will also allow him to play multiple positions for us in our system and hopefully lead to a NBL contract for him next year.

The NBL still has six rounds to play out, round 21 due to finish with United vs Adelaide 36ers on June 6.

Short and United, who currently sit on top of the ladder, will then have a finals campaign to complete.

Joyce said it will be tough for Short to balance the two teams but it's what is required in 2021.

"It will be tough at times with him coming in and out due to his commitments with Melbourne United but we would much rather have him playing with us back here at Ballarat," he said.

"I have said all along that 2021 is a year where everyone must be adaptable due to our experiences with Covid last year and early this year and the unknown of what is ahead."

Short is due to line-up for his season debut on Saturday night against traditional rivals Bendigo Pioneers.

The match-up is the Miners first at the Ballarat Sports and Events Centre, 21 months after it officially opened in 2019.

Round two hero Matt Kenyon said it was a great feeling to be playing at home.

"Really looking forward to it ... it's good to be home. First game in the stadium, new arena so it's going to be cool, hopefully it's all packed out and everyone comes along to support," he said.

The Miners kick-off at 8pm following the Rush from 6pm.

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